Domestic Assault Defense
Most domestic assault defense in Memphis is handled on a flat fee. A first-offense misdemeanor domestic assault in Shelby County General Sessions starts at $750. A felony — aggravated assault or a strangulation charge — starts at $1,500 and rises with the severity. We quote your exact flat fee after a free consultation. Call or text the criminal line at 901-412-2973 or the office at (901) 324-5000.

Domestic assault lawyer fees
| Situation | Our flat fee |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor domestic assault, Shelby County General Sessions | from $750 |
| Felony (aggravated assault or strangulation) | from $1,500, rising with severity |
These are attorney fees. Court costs and fines are separate. An order-of-protection hearing is related but a separate matter, and we can tell you how it fits with the criminal case.
What drives the cost of a domestic assault case
- Misdemeanor or felony. Simple domestic assault is a different case than aggravated assault or a strangulation charge under Tennessee law.
- First offense or repeat. A prior conviction raises the penalties and the enhancement the State can seek.
- Resolved or tried. A case prepared for and taken to trial costs more than one resolved through negotiation.
- Related matters. An order of protection, no-contact conditions, and the effect on firearm rights, a home, or a custody case can all be part of the work.
Why early counsel matters in these cases
Two things about a domestic assault charge in Tennessee surprise most people, and both are reasons to talk to a lawyer early. First, an arrest is mandatory in many situations and you cannot bond out for at least twelve hours. Second, the State — not the alleged victim — decides whether to prosecute. The victim cannot simply drop the charge, and prosecutors often go forward even when asked not to. None of that means the case cannot be defended; it means the defense starts before the first court date, not at it.
Flat fee, not an hourly meter
We quote one flat fee for a defined scope, so you are not billed by the hour for every call. The free consultation gives you the number in writing before you commit. Se habla Español. If paying at once is a hardship, ask about an arrangement.
Talk to a domestic assault lawyer — free
Tell us what happened and what you are charged with, and we will tell you the fee. Call the office at (901) 324-5000, or call or text the criminal line at 901-412-2973, for a free, confidential consultation. See how we defend domestic assault charges, or what other charges cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a domestic assault lawyer cost in Memphis?
At Brooks Law Firm, a first-offense misdemeanor domestic assault in Shelby County General Sessions starts at $750. A felony — aggravated assault or strangulation — starts at $1,500 and rises with severity. These are attorney fees; court costs and fines are separate.
Can the victim drop a domestic assault charge in Tennessee?
No. In Tennessee the State, not the alleged victim, decides whether to prosecute a domestic assault. The victim cannot simply drop the charge, and prosecutors often proceed even when the victim asks them not to. That is one reason early defense counsel matters.
What is the difference in cost between misdemeanor and felony domestic assault?
A misdemeanor domestic assault starts at $750. A felony — aggravated assault or a strangulation charge — starts at $1,500 and rises with the severity of the allegations and the strength of the State’s case.

Is the fee flat or hourly?
Flat. Brooks Law Firm quotes one price for a defined scope, so you are not billed by the hour. You get the number in writing after a free consultation.
